To compliment the CGTA's highly regarded Retailer of the Year Awards program, the association has implemented two awards honouring suppliers and sales representatives. Award winners are judged on a variety of criteria and the CGTA solicits votes from retailers across the country for their top picks.

DOWNLOAD a 2013 Supplier/Rep of the Year entry form here.

The 2012 winners are listed below.

For more information on the awards, contact CGTA Special Events Manager, Margo Warren at 416-642-1045 or 800-611-6100 ext. 1045. E-mail: margo@cgta.org

2012 Supplier of the Year - LARGE - Trudeau Corporation (1889) Inc.

A Canadian success story, Trudeau Corporation has been a leading supplier of quality kitchen and table products in North America since 1889. In the mid-1990s, the company began manufacturing their own kitchen products, which are developed by a team of Canadian, American and European designers. With their head office in Boucherville, Quebec, Trudeau is known worldwide for superior quality and customer service. Trudeau products are available from retailers in over 70 countries.

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Honourable Mention: David Youngson & Assoc.

For the last 20 years, Komme International has distinguished itself through unique, one-of-a-kind products and a commitment to quality. Looking to Asian markets, Komme hand-picks products to ensure that retail clients have access to creative, inspirational and eco-friendly goods - from wood to metal, bamboo to coconut, and from vintage to modern – to suit all their customers' needs. Komme International's exclusive product selection and emphasis on quality has garnered them a 2012 Supplier of the Year Award.

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Honourable Mention: Elby Gifts Inc.

2012 Supplier of the Year - SMALL - The Wild Bird Trading Company

With a dedicated focus on the bird industry, the Wild Bird Trading Company is the only full line supplier of wild bird and backyard nature products in Canada. With close to 20 years in business, the supplier is focused on quality design and functionality, increasingly creating products in response to customer demand. Passionate about the environment and animal rehabilitation, Wild Bird Trading supports a number of nature-related charities and serves as a valuable resource for clients, offering helpful educational advice.

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Honourable Mention: Taly Company Ltd.

2012 Sales Representative of the Year - INDEPENDENT - Lisa Ryder

Lisa Ryder, an independent sales representative from Dundas, Ontario has received one of two 2012 Sales Representative of the Year Awards. Working with clients in Toronto West, Oakville and Northern Ontario, Ryder represents multiple lines as a sales rep for Group One Associates. With years of experience working in the giftware and home textiles industries, Ryder was drawn to the retail business at a young age. Known for her helpful and conscientious work ethic, Ryder treats every client request as a top priority and feels most rewarded when she sees retailers have success with a new line or product.

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Honourable Mention: Karen Thomson

2012 Sales Representative of the Year - CORPORATE - Craig Hamilton

Craig Hamilton, a Toronto area sales representative for leading Canadian kitchen products supplier and manufacturer, Trudeau Corp., has been recognized with one of two 2012 Sales Representative of the Year Awards. Hamilton has worked in the giftware industry for 19 years and has represented Trudeau for 17 of those years. Brought into the retail business by his father, Hamilton prides himself on developing lasting relationships with clients built on trust and exceptional client service. Hamilton receives great satisfaction from seeing the growth of businesses he's been working with for a long time.

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Honourable Mention: Wayne Canning - Trudeau Corporation (1889) Inc.